The letter writer clarifies our crime rate causes. The highest sentencing rate in the world is correlated with one of the highest crime rates in the country.

The family of the prisoner loses parents, children and siblings and the material and emotional support that drives some of them into crime.

Our sentencing rate is insane, bizarre and barbaric. It is part of the cause of our crime rate, and the letter writer points out the research that shows it. New Orleans has just reduced its prison size, but the rest of the state is still in high gear.